Elles: Woman Sleeping 1896

This sketch by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec captures a woman in the embrace of sleep, a universal state depicted across epochs. The pose itself, the body surrendered to repose, echoes ancient depictions of Ariadne abandoned or Venus at rest. Consider the symbolism of sleep: a temporary retreat from consciousness, mirroring death and hinting at vulnerability. Note how in other artworks, sleep is a moment of revelation or danger. Think of the dreams of the biblical Jacob, or the slumbering Psyche, whose curiosity awakens dark forces. Lautrec here strips away mythological trappings, presenting a raw, intimate moment. The loose strokes and unfinished quality invite us into the woman's private world, triggering a deep sense of empathy. We, too, know the solace and the surrender of sleep. This image is not just a portrait but a mirror reflecting our shared human experience, as sleep continues to be portrayed and interpreted.